Exec Director-Apprenticeship & Workforce Solutions

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Deputy Provost, the Executive Director - Apprenticeship and Workforce Solutions leads CCC’s work-based learning and workforce agenda for the district, responsible for managing and stewarding key relationships with employers across the region and internal stakeholders to develop and implement apprenticeship and internship programs. 

The Executive Director - Apprenticeship and Workforce Solutions is accountable for building and leading a system-wide apprenticeship/internship strategy, implementing practices to sustain effective engagement with industry partners, and cultivating their support for creating work-based learning opportunities including internships and apprenticeships. Performs related duties as required.

Working in close collaboration with the colleges and district team, the Executive Director develops and expands relationships with workforce partners throughout Chicago with the goal of connecting prepared students to work opportunities. Performs related duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Leads District-wide efforts in developing work-based learning and talent pipeline programs, working collaboratively with key college stakeholders including college Presidents, Vice Presidents and Deans.
• Develops process for identifying and developing relationships with potential new employer partners in industry focus area in order to execute the District’s employer engagement strategy. Tracks and reports district wide activity.
• Works closely with college teams to support employer recruitment and engagement efforts.
• Maintains strong and effective relationships with current employer partners, working to develop agreements and implement plans for creating apprenticeship and internship opportunities for students.
• Accountable for creating and leading a system wide process that establishes and tracks activity with external partners including targeted employment commitments, work-based learning commitments, and curriculum review participation.

• Establishes process for efficient student recruitment, vetting and engagement with work-based learning opportunities across the district.
• Manages and tracks process and applies continuing improvement principles to improve outcomes.

• Monitors and leads development of outcome tracking metrics to assess and evaluate the success of students in securing employment or career advancement, and the value of occupational programs and workforce partnerships.

• Leads and manages the workforce and work-based learning team.  Establishes and shares goals and expectations and evaluates performance of team members.
• Coordinates with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Curriculum and Workforce Development Partnerships to support the alignment of credit-based programs and work-based learning goals.
• Coordinates and works closely with DO and college career service leadership to develop and deploy processes to inform students of Chicagoland career opportunities.  Informs preparation required for students to participate in WBL, apprenticeships and full-time employment.
• Builds and maintains relationships with the public workforce system to leverage resources and connect students and employers to opportunities.
• Identifies opportunities for programming and work-based learning and engages appropriate partners in credit and continuing education to develop and deliver programming.
• Collaborates across district and colleges, working with various teams (workforce, academic, continuing education, early college) to make sure efforts are aligned and not duplicated.
• Acts as a liaison with business associations and government agencies and represents the District on various committees and boards addressing regional workforce investment and development issues.

• Responds to requests from the Chancellor for follow up and provides appropriate and timely reporting on activity and outcomes.

• Leads efforts to identify state and federal grant opportunities and build capacity. Monitors program grant compliance.

• Works closely with Deputy Provost and other directors to establishes performance and work standards, short- and long- term goals for the division, and process improvements. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Five years of relevant work experience in the areas of workforce development, economic/education policy, or government and strategic partnerships  
• Experience negotiating contracts, pitching new programs and building processes with partners.
• Experience working in a higher education environment required.
• Demonstrated experience establishing partnerships with business and civic organizations and higher education institutions.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing apprenticeship and work-based learning programs required.
• Experience developing and/or marketing customized or contract training programs to meet business/industry required.
• Experience designing processes for CRM tools (Salesforce, etc.).
• Knowledge of local and regional industries and related economic development issues
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with senior executive staff, academic leaders, industry partners, and business leaders.
• Ability to work within a culturally diverse environment
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Ability to manage competing priorities and handle multiple projects
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

$104,775 - $115,000 

 WE OFFER: Excellent health and welfare benefit package and long-term savings and investment programs including 403(b) & 457(b) Investment Plans and a pension plan with the State University Retirement System (SURS) Plan. Generous vacation, holiday, personal and sick days, and tuition reimbursement. For a more detailed overview of benefits, please visit the benefits page of our website.

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Chicago residency is required for all full-time employees within 6 months of hire.

Thank you for your interest in CCC!